Traveling doesn’t have to be stressful when you plan ahead especially when it comes to what tech items you may need on your next trip. Taking a real vacation means leaving work at home and turning off your work phone. If you can do that, then I applaud you! However, for so many of you digital nomads that’s not possible. Frankly, the list below isn’t just for digital nomads, many of these travel tech accessories do and will come in handy on your next trip.
I can’t lie I have a love/hate relationship with technology. It seems there’s a new gadget for everything these days but the great thing is that are many gadgets that simplify your life. For example; I never take my work laptop with me (too bulky) instead I take my Samsung Tab A and from that small device I can run my business anywhere in the world. I’m only gone for a maximum of 12 days so it makes sense for me to lighten my load.
I try to be as minimalist as possible when I travel so I take the smallest and lightest tech gadgets that get the job done without getting in the way. This is where things can get tricky, especially with carry-on. The gadgets below I think are worth a good hard look and be added to your packing list. At the end of the day, technology is there to help so take advantage of it.
When packing for a trip you may get stuck on what to bring, if you’re looking to make travel life simpler, this 7 Best Travel Tech Accessories guide will make that a reality. With that in mind, here are some of the best travel tech gadgets around, including laptops/tablets, headphones, luggage trackers, power banks, and adapters.
The best part is that all of the accessories below are available on Amazon. All are readily available with just a few clicks just in time for your next trip.
Best Travel Tech Accessories & Gadgets:
1) Samsung Tab A 10.1:
Chances are you already have a tablet, if you don’t feel comfortable bringing your laptop overseas then by all means bring your tablet. My personal favorite is the one I currently have, the Samsung Tab A 10.1. It’s the best since I have all my streaming apps and I do my office work from here as well.
- Minimal bezel; Maximum view; Watch, stream and browse on a 10.1 Inches; Full HD corner to corner Display; The lightweight premium metal design goes anywhere you go
- Big sound for big entertainment; The perfect complement to a wide, immersive picture, Dolby Atoms Surround sound fills the room with cinematic clarity
- Binge worthy Battery; Browse, watch Or shop for up to ten hours on a full charge; Keyboard Compatible
Laptop: Bringing your laptop is entirely up to you and your needs. When I was a W2 employee, I left work at home. My back office took care of everything. Now that I’m self-employed I take my work laptop whenever I travel within the US. When I travel abroad I take my Samsung Tablet so I’m always connected.
Tablet Accessories: Here are the two accessories I have with my tablet so it feels like a functioning laptop and still compact!
- ProCase – Protective Tablet Case for 9″-10.1″ inch tablets.
- Keyboard – Mini Portable Bluetooth Keyboard
- Universal Case compatible with 9-10.1” tablets (Case for UMIDIGI G1 Tab, BYYBUO SmartPad A10_L, ApoloMedia EP103A, ECOPAD, ZZB ZB10, TECLAST P30, Jeazans OC101, POWMUS, HiGrace, Headwolf W5, UGRIHACH UG-C10, COOPERS CP10, Lville LVEC10, YQSAVIOR YQCP20, EHFiDC K11-blue, and other tablets with screen sizes between 9-10.1in, or outer dimensions between 10.5-7.5inch (No back camera opening; NOT support auto sleep/wake for any tablets)
- Elastic “X” band able to adjust the sizes to fit the tablets;universal silicone “X” band holds device firmly during transport
- Premium composition leather exterior and soft interior offer great protection against daily use, free from worrying about dropping, scratching
- PERFECT COMPATIBILITY – Compatible with Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1-inch SM-T580N/SM-T585N/SM510/SM515, Tab A 10.5, Galaxy Tab S4/S6, Galaxy Tab E 9.6, Tab E 8.0, Galaxy Note 10.1, Galaxy S6 – S 9 S 10, Huawei MediaPad M5 8.4, M5 Pro 10.8 2018, Google Nexus 10, Nexus 9, Venue 10 (7000)，LG, RAC, Nexus, ZTE etc and other IOS, Android and Windows tablets.
- 7 COLORS BACKLIGHT KEYBOARD – 7 colors backlit (deep blue, yellow, green, white, red, purple, cyan) and 3 levels of brightness provides different visual enjoyment and makes it easy to type in the dark place. The gentle light doesn’t harm your eyes. Perfect for working or gaming in the dark.
- COMFORTABLE TYPING & VIEWING – Real “hard” laptop style keyboard with high end ABS material. Not cheap silicone keyboard as other cases in market. A spring mechanism underneath each key ensures a tactile response with every stroke, helping you to type faster and with less error than on a touch screen. Combo with the free stand holder can stand any tablets or phones at 6 different angles.
2) Noise Cancelling Headphones:
Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Bluetooth Over the Ear Headset. You may think you won’t need this but when traveling on a budget you may find yourself staying in a hostel. As you know you’ll be sharing that room with 4 to 6 people and their snoring! These are really good for red-eye flights (they’re pretty good at blocking out the sound of the cabin and crying babies). No need to sacrifice your sleep with this often-overlooked item.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION: Premium noise canceling with Dual Noise Sensor technology
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (10 min charge for 5 hours of playback)(USB Type-C Cable included)
- TOUCH SENSOR CONTROLS: Pause play skip tracks, control volume, activate your voice assistant, and answer phone calls.
3) Travel Adapter:
This is so important! Traveling outside the US you’ll need an adapter. Fortunately, these are easy to find and inexpensive, here are a couple of my favorites:
- TESSAN European Travel Plug Adapter – this I took when I went on my Expat Explore trip and worked like a charm.
- JOOMFEEN Worldwide Universal Adapter – this I took with me on my Balkans trip and this also worked like a charm.
- US to Europe Plug Adapter: Compatible in most European countries such as Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,Greece, Hungary,Portugal, Poland, Netherlands,Spain, Turkey, Italy; More countries can be checked in description; Note: not work in UK/Ireland/Scotland
- 3 in 1 European Plug Adapter: This adapter for European turns 1 Europe Type C socket into American outlet and 2 USB ports, charge up to 3 devices at a time without blocking; Ideal for traveler, business man and foreign student use in airports, hotels and dorm room
- European Adapter with USB: 2 USB ports can detect charged devices and deliver optimum charging speed up to 2.4A max per port, meet various charging demands for your EU journey; ideal for cell phone, tablet, earphone, camera, etc
- WORLDWIDE CHARGING – This Travel Adapter Cover more than 150 Countries with US/EU/UK/AU plugs. It works in Canada, Russia, Asia, Central America, South America and the Middle East to name a few.
- DUAL USB PORTS – World Adapter Plug compatible with almost all USB Devices like Apple iPhone 14,13,12,11,XR,8,7,6 6s 5s 4s, Samsung galaxy s22 s21 s7 s7 edge s6 s6 edge s5 s4, Sony,Nokia, HTC, LG, and so on.
- CHARGE 3 DEVICES – The World Adapter Plug allows SIMULTANEOUS use of the AC Power Socket and Dual USB Ports.You can charge three devices at the same.Universal travel adapter.
4) Best Tech Pouch:
Organizing your tech is key and simple. Just take all those gadgets and cords and put them in a bag for easy organization. I found the FYY Electronic Pouch to be the best pouch that kept all my electronics organized in one easy-to-carry pouch. Considering what I brought I had to get the large to fit everything I had.
To be very clear, only my power bank, travel adapter, 3 charging cables, and 2 wall chargers fit in my tech pouch. I can see a couple more cables, earbuds, or headphones fitting as well.
- Suitable For: Designed for office workers, travelers who need to store and organize their small electronic accessories
- 2 Compartments Design: This small tech pouch organizer comes with 2 compartments with different size pockets. It can hold small certificates, power bank, external hard drive, SD memory card, cables, earphone
- Water-Resistant: This small cables organizer outer material is made of Jacquard fabric, splash proof, can prevent your essentials from getting wet
5) Portable Power Bank:
You more than likely have a power bank so take it with you. If not here’s one that is a solid addition for your next trip. Some reasons why you do need a portable power bank are:
- You never know when you need the extra juice for your phone so you never miss that perfect shot. If you’re like me and have to.
- If you have to do some work during travel, then YOU NEED this!
- If you’re traveling alone and need navigation a good power bank and prove to be a lifesaver.
- Streaming your shows on the plane or during a long layover.
- You have the flexibility to charge multiple devices at once.
My personal favorite is the 35000mAh power bank from SABANI
- RGVOTA Guarantee: Three Years technical support for our 2023 Newest Updated Version 38800mAh Portable Charger!
- Portable Charger: 38800mAh Ultra-Large Capacity power bank will keep your phone running all day, It widely compatible with iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/11, Samsung Galaxy, Pixel,Nexus,LG smartphone and more USB devices.
- With 5 USB Output ports and Dual Input(5V/3A), you have more options over how you recharge and for how many smart devices you want to fast active simultaneously. USB-C In & Out port perfectly fits your new iPhones and all upcoming USB-C devices.
6) Luggage Tags:
Don’t sleep on these! In the past few years luggage these have become in my opinion essential especially when you have a checked bag. In 2022, there was a record number of canceled flights and lost luggage. These air tags will allow you to track your mishandled luggage even when the airline can’t. There are two on the market depending on what phone you have.
Essentially you have 3 ‘Smart Tags’ to choose from depending on your phone:
Galaxy SmartTag2: Uses Bluetooth technology and only works on Android 9.0 or higher. These SmartTags will allow you to track your luggage and receive frequent updates on your phone. Even if your bag is outside of range, it will keep updating its location by anonymously pinging off other Samsung devices.
- REDESIGNED TO DO MORE: The redesigned Galaxy SmartTag2 is made so you can keep calm and keep track; Its design makes it easy for you to tag and carry your belongings
- EASY TO USE: It’s IP67-rated water- and dust-resistant, activates your compatible IoT devices and stays powered for up to 500 days or even up to 40% more on Non-Power Saving Mode
- RELAX, YOU’VE GOT IT TAGGED: Simply register a new Galaxy SmartTag2 and get started right away with SmartThings Find; With its intuitive tracking experience, you now have a way to keep track of things you love right in the palm of your hand
- SEARCH NEAR WHEN IT’S NOT FAR: Lose something. Switch on Search Nearby and get guided instructions to your item’s location via Compass View; If you still don’t see it, just ring your Galaxy SmartTag2 to have it send out an audible signal
Apple Air Tag: These are exclusive to iPhone users. The Apple air tag ‘crowd GPS’ so Apple’s ‘Find My’ app uses Apple devices to ping the network and each other in the background. As soon as that AirTag falls within Bluetooth range of any one of those devices that device then pings the ‘Find My’ network. Then it reports the location to you and you can find your lost luggage.
| Apple AirTag | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Keep track of and find your items using 'Find My app'. Instantly connect the AirTag with your iPhone or iPad. Uses a built-in speaker to help find your things, or just ask Siri for help. Find items further away with the help of hundreds of millions of Apple devices in the Find My network. | Check For Price |
For iPhone users follow this link to check the price for Apple Air Tag.
Tile Pro: The Tile Pro doesn’t use a network to locate lost luggage it uses a built-in app (Life360) and uses ‘Notify When Found’. The main issue is that Life 360 is an opt-in. Essentially you’re relying on Tile Pro users to opt in Life 360. Tile Premium is an optional subscription plan for more coverage.
No products found.
In short, if you have a Samsung then the Galaxy SmartTag2 is for you. If you have an iPhone then the Apple AirTag is for you. Every thing else get the Tile Pro.
7) HDMI Cable:
This is a simple way to keep yourself entertained when you’re traveling abroad. If you’re traveling for some time (weeks) and want access to your streaming services, the hostel or hotel will have a TV in your room. All you need to do is connect your laptop to the TV with the HDMI cable and watch your show.
- 4k HD HDMI Cable: Innovative 4K HDMI Cable,built with gold-plated connectors to ensure high-speed…
- High Speed 18Gbps Data Capacity: Highwings HDMI 2.0 Cable transmits the data onto the speed up to…
- Newest Technology: Highwings HDMI 2.0 Cable meets the latest standard HDMI 2.0 Version,which has…
Tips to Consider Before Buying Travel Tech Accessories:
Let’s face it, you’re on vacation so ask yourself do you really need to work? Just because you can doesn’t mean you have to. If you work in an office do your due diligence and ask who will be covering for you in your absence. If you’re self-employed then you can just get away with the hotel wi-fi and a simple tablet…I do.
Summary:
Lastly, don’t overdo the tech part! Getting too tech gadgets may hurt your pocketbook besides chances are you already have some of the above items anyway. Pack only what you need and pack light.
